Guwahati, Sept. 14 -- The stage is set.

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan will lock horns in an Asia Cup marquee clash in Dubai in a few hours from now.

An Indo-Pak encounter is always high octane - transcending the cricket ground - it is about passion, patriotism, and enmity marked by the years-long political acrimony between the two countries over Jammu & Kashmir.

But this time around, the hype has reached unprecedented heights.

The Pahalgam mayhem, followed by Operation Sindoor, has exacerbated the tension which is palpable.

Amid clarion calls to boycott the match, Suryakumar Yadav's boys will face off with Salman Agha's team.

On paper, India look hot favourites with the perfect blend of experience and youth in their ranks.

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